GMP Hosts Academic and Cultural Exchange with Nanyang Technological University

On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, an exchange session was held between students from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore and the Global Management Program (GMP) at Waseda University. A total of 20 NTU students and four faculty members visited Japan and joined approximately 40 GMP students for a half-day of academic and cultural exchange. Students from both universities worked in mixed teams on a case study and further deepened their interactions through shared meals.

The session began with a keynote lecture by Professor Kazuhiko Yago of Waseda University, followed by team-based discussions on a case concerning the introduction of artificial intelligence. With only 30 minutes allotted for discussion, the case study demanded quick thinking and strong analytical skills. In particular, the speed with which NTU students drove discussions forward, along with their polished presentation skills, left a strong impression. While many GMP students found this highly stimulating, several also stepped forward confidently as team representatives and delivered presentations without hesitation. The session thus provided an opportunity for students from both universities to demonstrate their abilities in a high-level academic environment.

Following the case study, a standing-style dinner reception provided further opportunities for interaction between NTU and GMP students. While enjoying traditional Japanese cuisine, sweets, and halal food options, participants engaged in a wide range of conversations, spanning topics from their respective countries and universities to more personal matters. Through these exchanges, they learned about cultural differences, fostered mutual understanding, and deepened their friendships.

Reflecting on the exchange event, Ayane Kaneko, a fourth-year GMP student, shared, “This session allowed us not only to engage in cross-cultural exchange, but also to gain new perspectives and ideas from NTU students that energized our discussions. The opportunity to conduct case studies and communicate in English with students from overseas, using the knowledge and language skills we have developed so far, was extremely valuable. It was a truly meaningful and rewarding experience.”